Bayard’s Bon Appetit
John Bayard
Food Critic

This month, I sampled the fine taste of the Indian sub-continent at Taj Indian Bistro at 418 Roberts Rd, Chesterton. Indian cuisine is perhaps one of the most unique cuisines in the world given its extensive use of spices and aromas used in its preparation. When most people think of spices, usually they think of heat, hot sauces, and other temperature raising flavors. Adding spices to a dish does not mean that one must suffer from heart burn later. Indian cuisine can be very palatable and can turn simple dishes into delights for your taste buds. While Taj Indian Bistro did not always hit this mark, it certainly managed to create a fine dining experience.
While on the outside, the restaurant is somewhat unappealing, the staff inside was very friendly and the interior was welcoming. Their menu selection offered a wide variety of different dishes that were both suitable for the meat eater and the vegetarian in your group. Prices are fairly reasonable depending on what you plan on ordering. Meals range on average from $10-$15, although some meals are more expensive. There is also a wide selection of appetizers and drinks for your palate.
My meal included Aloo Gobhi, a vegetable dish with potatoes and cauliflower cooked in clarified butter tempered with Cumin seed, exotic spices, and finished with a dash of Garam Masala. The Cumin seed added a strong flavor to the otherwise bland dish. The Onion Naan bread served with the meal was an excellent counter to the Cumin flavors of the Aloo Gobhi. The bread absorbed the full flavors of the meal.
The main dish was Shrimp Bengal Curry cooked in onion, ginger, garlic, and tomato paste with assorted spices in a rustic manner. This was complemented with Saffrom Rice Kashmiri style. The curry sauce went well with the rice and even the Naan bread. However, while I requested the dish with more heat, the end result was a bit disappointing as it lacked the kick I was expecting. If any reader does not eat shrimp, the Bengal Curry is also served with chicken, lamb, or as a vegetarian dish. Rice is always a good choice to serve with curry since it absorbs the flavors of the sauce in the same way as bread.
Overall the meal was delicious although I had wished for a bit more kick in the curry and Aloo Gobhi. The service itself was excellent and the waitress was always quick to see if I needed anything. Since it is just in Chesterton, Taj Indian Bistro is good choices for those wishing to try something new and exotic but at the same time don’t want to drive to Chicago to get it.

John Bayard is a 3L and can be reached at forum@valpo.edu

It seems that I am in something of a sophomore slump. Well, more like a second column slump. There seems to so many topics but nothing that could really add up to a complete column. Sure, I could spare several words about the inconsistent temperatures through out the school. I could talk how I am quite sick of dragging my sweatshirt everyday to ward off the chill in the library. But I am not in the mood to whining.
I guess I could say a few words about the bane of the first year existence, legal research assignments. I could gripe about the hours spent looking for the answer and feeling like a complete failure when it was staring me right in the face. But I think we can all agree, not thinking about legal research assignments is best.
I could spend a sentence or two musing on the idea that free food has been a wonderful thing to a broke 1L. One would think that eating four straight days of pizza would sour one on the food, but it really just tastes better on day four. So, from the bottom of stomach, I would like to thank the organizations. Not only did I walk away with a full belly, but I, also, discovered some interesting organizations.
Now, I could spend a moment or two thinking about class work. There is the never-ending struggle to understand contracts and the simple joy of that first “ah-ha” moment. I had my first “ah-ha” moment knee deep in reliance damages. Sitting on the hard chair in the library, this wide grin cracked across my face and I danced a little. Of course, that “ah-ha” moment lasted exactly 2 hours when I walked back into class. Needless to say I walked out of class an hour later confused and dazed once again. But for one shining moment, I finally felt that lawyer feeling.
Speaking of thinking like a lawyer, I went out and grabbed pizza the other day with a good friend. She couldn’t pay, so naturally I picked up the tab. Of course, I promptly wondered if we had a contract. She owes me money and there was a promise to pay back. I think I have a contract and it might be enforceable, I am only slightly ashamed of that thought.
But, I think I want to close this column with a non-law school thought. When I was in college, I used to watch the Food Network at lot, specifically the cake competition shows. It was mindless and I could put it on and not think about communications for a few hours. That has now been replaced with “Say Yes to the Dress” on TLC. I am struggling to understand this new obsession, as I hate weddings. But there is something very appealing about watching women drop $1,500 plus on a dress they will wear only once and freaking out about it not being perfect. It makes no sense; I enjoy scripted programs like The Office or Community. But there I am on Friday’s watching women parade in puffy, white nightmares. I think it might because it is the total antithesis of law school logic.

Until next time, 1L class, Kate

Looney Legal
John Bayard
Executive Editor

As we enter another election season, a recurring issue brought up by politicians is tort reform. While tort reform deals with a variety of issues, it is often those frivolous lawsuits that bring tort issues to the public mind. Here is one of those cases under Looney Legal.
Roy L. Pearson sued a D.C. dry cleaning establishment, Custom Cleaners, for over $67 million for the loss of a pair of pants. On May 3, 2005, Pearson allegedly left a pair of gray pants that could be distinguished by a unique trio of belt loops on both sides of the front waistband. After a delay due to the pants being mistakenly sent to another dry cleaners, the pants were offered back completed several days after May 5, 2005, the initial pickup date. Pearson refused to accept the pants, claiming they were not his, despite confirmation by the cleaners’ records, tags, and Pearson’s receipt. Pearson demanded what he claimed to be the price of the pants as compensation, an amount of over $1000, which the Chungs refused. As a result, Pearson filed suit in the District of Columbia’s Superior Court. The judge to whom the case was presented decided to bring it to trial on the basis of two of Pearson’s claims. The first claim was the issue of the ownership by Pearson of the presented pair of pants. The second claim was on the issue of signs posted outside the business, advertising “Same Day Service” and “Satisfaction Guaranteed”, which Pearson claimed to be misleading. Pearson’s would eventually reduce the claimed damages of $54 million.
On June 12, 2007, the trial began. Pearson broke down in tears during an explanation about his frustration after losing his pants, and a short recess had to be declared. On June 25, 2007, the trial ended with District of Columbia Superior Court Judge Judith Bartnoff ruling in favor of the dry cleaners, and awarding them court costs pursuant to a motion which the Chungs later withdrew.
On September 10, 2008, an appellate court agreed to hear Pearson’s appeal, scheduled for October 22, 2008. On December 18, 2008, the three-judge D.C. Court of Appeals panel that heard Pearson’s appeal announced that they were rejecting it. According to the Washington Post, “Pearson had two remaining avenues of appeal left: He could ask the entire nine-judge appellate court to review the case, or ask the U.S. Supreme Court to weigh in.”
On January 6, 2009, Roy Pearson filed a petition with the D.C. Court of Appeals, requesting the case be reheard this time by a nine-judge panel. On March 2, 2009, the appeals court rejected his request to have the case reheard by the full panel. Pearson’s final option was to ask the U.S. Supreme Court to hear the case. The 90-day deadline for seeking Supreme Court review elapsed without Pearson filing a petition for certiorari. Pearson’s appeal options thus exhausted, the long-running dispute finally came to an end.
The unusual circumstances of this case led the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, and dozens of bloggers to refer to it as “The Great American Pants Suit,” and to Pearson as “Judge Fancy Pants.”

John Bayard is a 3L and can be reached at forum@valpo.edu

Well , well, well.  Looks like it’s another school year, which means Robert and Hunter are back in the ‘Po, getting VIP treatment in Passtimes and on first name terms with the Greek patrons of Jimmy’s.  Word on the street is that the masses have been eagerly anticipating the return of The Forum’s most legendary literary scholars.  Wait no more peasant 1L’s, decent 2L’s and extraordinarily superior 3L’s.  After holding a 6 hour press conference special at the Popcorn Festival hosted by our very own Bryce Drew, both Hunter and I decided to take out signing bonuses, consisting of first servings of any meals hosted at the law school, and have come back to bless you clowns with some truth.

While sipping on an adult beverage at my favorite watering hole, I began to think of what I should write about for this article.  Should it be the various pennant races, which never mattered to me anyway, or should it be about college football, a subject always involved before 67% of altercations between men aged 18-25?  But then it hit me!  What better sport to write about then the sport played by seemingly every 26 year old male who fancies himself a hybrid mix of Mel Kiper, Shannon Sharpe, and Cris Collingsworth all rolled into an unhealthy mass of worthless football knowledge.  Yep!  You guessed it!  It’s fantasy football season!  At a time where teams cease to matter, only players and matchups remain. So I decided to bless all you wanna be fantasy football strategists with some basic rules, regulations and tidbits, that if utilized correctly, will guarantee a 7^th place spot in a 10 team league.

The first thing you want to focus on is the creation of a team name.  There is nothing worse than playing some clown in Week 6 whose team name is Monsters, Bruisers or some other type of generic dribble. You will not be taken seriously in fantasy football if you cannot take the time to develop a witty team name.  Dedication is everything, people, so try showing some.  If you’re a stocky African-American male, such as myself, then I suggest going with a team name that plays to your strengths.  For instance, team names that reference Rick Ross, CeeLo Green or Uncle Phil all would work in this scenario.

Second, be sure to have at least 3 people in your league who know absolutely nothing about drafting a fantasy football team.  Nothing brings me more joy than having the number 4 pick and watching some absolute clowns pick Joseph Addai, Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark at 1, 2 and 3 which leads me to my 3^rd point.

Third, never, and I mean NEVER, pick a fantasy football team based on the team you root for in real life unless that team is either the NFC or AFC Pro Bowl teams.  I distinctly remember playing in a league last year where one unfortunate fella (who I won’t name here) literally had 5 Eagle players on his roster. Ridiculous.  Besides the simple fact that there will be one week that you will absolutely not win, you just look like a loyal fool.

Fourth, be aware of the waiver wire hawk in your league and exploit him.  The waiver wire hawk is that one person in your league who adds and drops more than Debbie Gleason.  Some insignificant player has a decent week and this guy is all over the waiver wire trying to pick him up.  You want this guy in your league because nine times out of ten he is probably dropping a better player than he is picking up.  How do you figure out who this is?  Well, if this person has 20-plus roster moves by Week , then it’s probably him.

Fifth, be prepared for that one player you really want to depend on to never show up.  This year’s candidate includes Maurice Jones-Drew, Mike Sims-Walker, Michael Crabtree and Dwane Bowe.  No need in getting frustrated because in the back of your mind you kinda saw this coming.  Suck it up and grind it out.

And lastly, be prepared to spend ridiculous amounts of time staring at your roster, player matchups and the waiver wire.  This especially holds true on Sunday and Monday when you watch every game as if your watching will somehow make your players score a couple TD’s.  And let’s not forget the ridiculous calculations we come up with that will lead your team to victory.  As if anyone believes that your St. Louis defense will get you 20 points against the Saints.  Give it up buddy.

As I look at my team, Big Meech, stacked to the ceiling with fantasy football talent I honestly feel sorry for anyone who doesn’t take heed to my rules, regulations and tidbits.  As a one time 8^th place finisher I think my credentials speak for themselves.  I hope you’re  listening.

By: Jason Prowant, Assistant Director of Career Advising, Public Interest

An internship with a public interest organization is a great way to gain practical legal skills and explore an area of law that you may be passionate about. Public interest interns often are able to develop skills in areas of client intake and counseling, trial strategy, legal research and writing, oral advocacy and negotiation. While most public interest summer internships are unpaid, here are some programs that will aid in funding a summer public interest internship:

PSLawNet is a community for public interest oriented law students and attorneys and is one of the best resources on the web for finding public interest jobs and funding. PSLawNet’s goal is to be a “one stop shop” for law students and law school graduates working, or hoping to work, with nonprofits, public interest law firms, and government agencies. To access the list of summer funding sources, go to www.pslawnet.org, click on “Career Central” on the left sidebar, then click on “Financing a Career or Summer Job.”

Public Interest Law Initiative (PILI) Summer Internships: For students interested in working in Chicago, this is a great opportunity to work in public interest law. PILI sponsors a Summer Internship Program for first and second year law students from across the country. Summer Interns receive $5,000 for 10 full-time weeks of work. The application period for summer of 2011 opens in December and applications will be accepted on a rolling basis through March of 2011. The earlier you apply, the better your chances of obtaining an Internship. For an application see the PILI website at www.pili-law.org.

Equal Justice Works Summer Corps Program: Summer Corps is an AmeriCorps-funded program that provides law students with the opportunity to earn a $1,000 education award voucher for spending the summer in a qualifying internship at a non-profit, public interest organization. Students must complete 300 service hours to receive the education award voucher, which can be used to pay current educational expenses or qualified student loans. Applications will be available in mid-March 2011. Apply as soon as applications become available, if possible; applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. For more information about eligibility criteria and the application and selection process, visit http://www.equaljusticeworks.org/programs/summercorps/general.

Equal Justice America Legal Services Fellowships: These fellowships are for first and second year law students who will be working for organizations providing direct civil legal services for the poor. This means that positions that are strictly policy focused are not eligible. The fellowships are for up to $4,000 and the position may take place anywhere in the United States provided that the hiring organization is a non-profit organization providing direct civil legal services to the poor. Applications for Summer 2010 are due March 21, 2011. For further information visit Equal Justice America’s website at www.equaljusticeamerica.org.

ABA John J. Curtin, Jr. Justice Fund Summer Legal Internship Program: This program pays a $2,500 stipend to students who spend their summer working for a bar association or legal services program designed to prevent homelessness or assist homeless or indigent clients or their advocates. All law students are eligible, and first year law students are encouraged to apply. Students find their own eligible internship and must commit no less than eight continuous weeks between May 1 and October 1 to the program of his or her choice. Applicants must submit a resume, an application form and a prospective program’s supporting statement. For further information see the Curtin Justice Fund website at http://www.abanet.org/homeless/curtin.shtml.  Applications are typically due in Mid March annually (early applications encouraged).

Valparaiso University School of Law Summer Public Interest Stipend: The SPIS program was established to encourage students to explore public interest work over the summer.  You are eligible for the SPIS if you are working for a public interest employer and are not receiving compensation for your work and are not receiving school credit. Public interest positions may include employment such as working for a legal aid organization, non-profit organization, governmental agencies, prosecutor’s office, public defender office, or clerking for a judge.  The deadline to submit the SPIS application is April 1st, 2011. Contact Jason Prowant, Assistant Director of Career Advising at Jason.prowant@valpo.edu with any questions.

Equal Justice Alliance (EJA) Summer Public Interest Supplemental Grant: Equal Justice Alliance is Valparaiso University School of Law’s public interest student group. EJA provides scholarships to students completing unpaid public interest summer internships. Recipients do not need to be members of EJA.  For more information contact Michelle Debolt at Michelle.Debolt@valpo.edu.

For more information on summer public interest funding opportunities, contact the Career Planning Center to schedule an advising appointment at:  219-465-7814 or visit Wesemann room 125.

Why is Law School so Difficult? Of a ‘Riddle Wrapped in a Mystery inside an Enigma’

by JoEllen Lind, Professor and Associate Dean for Faculty Development

In his blog post on The Shark, a Cal Law Blog, Justin Gosling said about law school:

It’s incredibly demanding, probably more so than anything you’ve previously experienced. It’s a lot of reading, reflecting, and  … constantly evaluating your thoughts and conclusions… all the while knowing that you’re not wrong, but you’re not correct either. I [concluded] that there is no way I would have applied to law school had I known how much of a commitment is required. That said, I’m glad I enrolled because law school changes you and makes you pay attention and think about the world in ways previously unimagined.

Do you agree with Justin? Apparently a lot of people are trying to answer the question he tackled. I discovered that fact when, on a whim, I decided to “Google” the query, “Why is law school so hard?” Amazingly, I got over 13 million hits.  But, reflecting on my own experience as a 1L (a long, long time ago), I am not really surprised.

One of the things that struck me on that first day was that everyone in class was above average.  This was not like college, where showing up most of the time and doing most of the reading could equal a top grade.  Worse than that, the professors actually called on us randomly. This meant that class participation was not optional and not on my terms. I had to pay attention and stay on my toes. But, that created a paradox—even if I had diligently prepared for class, having to recite made me so anxious I could barely remember my name, much less the issues in Pennoyer v. Neff.  And, there was the preparation itself.  The reading assignments were long, often dry, and specialized. This was not like perusing Anna Karenina for a seminar on the modern novel.  Whether a statute said “may” or “shall” actually made a difference, and in a way that could affect people’s lives.  So, the material was technical and sometimes dull, but the stakes were high—for me and my future clients. Two other things became immediately clear to me as well—there were few clear  answers in each subject, and there was no cookbook recipe for success overall.

Why so few clear answers? This stems from the nature of law itself. On deeper reflection, how could principles governing a phenomenon as varying as human behavior be expressed in definite rules like the traffic code? The legal system can articulate concepts as grand as “due process” or “freedom of religion”; it can invent something as fictional, but useful, as the corporation (a non-person person); and, at the same time, it can address practical issues like how to serve a summons or how to collect child support.  This is a nimble body of working knowledge indeed.  It was the working aspect that finally resonated with me.

Law could not be only settled, noncontroversial conclusions, because human behavior changes over time and is almost infinite in its variety.  Legal principles must adapt to evolving situations, economies, social relations, even contested conceptions of justice.  Most simply, the law must be able to address new legal problems.  But, to have the continuity that “knowledge” implies law must be able to endure. And it does—it is the way of thinking, analyzing, and using basic concepts in argumentation that is the key.  Law is about ideas, but ideas, doctrines, and conceptions that are organized by a method. Part of the mystery of why law school is so difficult is that it is more like learning to play the piano or be a quarterback, than it is about memorizing  a list of facts.  The musician has to practice the principles of piano playing by using them. She must learn by doing. And, just as there is no guarantee one will become the best pianist or football player—even with practice—there is no guarantee that one will be the very best student on law school examinations.  This may be the most enigmatic aspect of law school to accept. Hard work is necessary for success, but there is no foolproof way of insuring how successful one might become.

As Justin said above, being prepared for class and for tests is a process of “reading, reflecting, and becoming comfortable with constantly evaluating your thoughts and conclusions… all the while knowing that you’re not wrong, but you’re not correct either.”  Being neither wrong nor right is an uncomfortable, confusing place to be, especially at the beginning. But, there is no easy way to make law simple without distorting it. And, because it is the performance of legal reasoning that we are pursuing, not a body rules, it is understandable that you may be asked to apply what you know to novel situations on an examination. Real lawyers do that every day. In the end, law school is challenging because humans are challenging, complicated, and changing. The professionals who help them with their legal problems are trying to master a whole form of life and an entire skill set—from ideas, to thought processes, to research tools, to written and verbal expression, and so much more—all of them addressed to resolving conflicts among human beings over fundamental goods and values.  In retrospect, I am very glad I became a lawyer, even though it was one of the hardest things I have ever done. I hope you will come feel that way too.

It is that time of the year. We drive with the windows down after a long day of classes, feeling the chill of the autumn breeze blowing through mine and one of my best friends’ long hairs as we go get our afternoon caffeine boost. Katy Perry is belting her newest hit on the radio, “Teenage Dream”, which I swear plays every single time I turn the keys and start my engine. As we both sing along to the tune, the lyrics end saying, “. . .This is real, so take a chance, and don’t ever look back, don’t ever look back”. At that moment, my girl friend turns to me and tells me about a recent article she had read.

According to this article, choosing a potential date is determined by what each gender is seeking in relation to time. Women on the one hand seek out “THE” guy who appears perfect on paper analyzing how that guy will fit in with their future. Alternatively, men wait for the “right time”—not necessarily the “right gal”. A man will approach a relationship with a female when he feels like it’s the time to do it in his life. If a girl is at the right place, at the right time, then it could very well be that she hits the jackpot that evening with an invitation to a date that weekend. As for us ladies, we spend too much time over analyzing the man right in front of us that we actually can end up talking ourselves out of a relationship before it even starts! Both sides can learn from each other. Neither is necessarily right. Take that chance to figure out where you stand in the situation.

Where am I going with this? Politics of course! Right now, campaign ads are airing all over the television set. Personally, I am rather sick of hearing the campaign slams against one politician to the next. All the coffee in the world cannot get me to sit in front of them long enough for me not to start talking to the television set asking it why it keeps running these silly ads. One thing I have noticed through the TV ads and newspaper headings is the increased amount of females running for office this year. Currently, women hold 90 of the 535 seats in today’s 111^th U.S. Congress. Around the country, pearls are spotted more and more on the television set as women campaign their candidacy for the upcoming elections of 2010.   Trends of candidates running today can be related back to my relationship tid-bit from my best friend.  Today there is an upward swing of female candidates eyeing spots in government today. Could it be that they are following the men’s advice by “waiting for the right time?”

Ninety-nine females around the country are looking to take over spots currently held by men in this next election. Time will just have to pass for all of us to see the results, but I believe the increased percentage of female candidates proves that times are changing. We all should take this to heart when it comes to life in general. Focus on what is currently in front of you. Our country is blessed with rights allowing females to hold positions of power equivalent to males. Someday, even I hope to have the chance to engross myself in the pandemonium of politics because it’s one of my passions. When you consider who to vote for in the next few weeks, consider this: are you voting for “THE” candidate who appears best on paper or are you looking at who would be “THE” candidate for the time right now? Choose wisely! Pick the pearl of a candidate and take a chance. This November is not the time to look back and regret.

To all you thousands of 1L’s, welcome to law school.  I’m sure you’re finding that the rest of us continuing students are nothing but the nicest, most helpful, non-surlyiest, most jubilant people you’ve probably ever run across.

You should see us around Christmas when finals come along, and we are so ensconced in the Christmas spirit that many of us forgo shaving in order to grow our own Santa beards and consume enough frozen pizzas and $6 bottles of ____ that our bellies jiggle like bowls full of jelly.  You too can look forward to this type of care free lifestyle if you take our advice.

Steps to Success:

1.    Read the dissenting and concurring opinions.  No ifs ands or buts about this one folks.  Ask anyone.  And if you believe this one, I have a Toyota that was supposed to be recalled on four separate occasions that I can sell you.  But seriously, if anyone asks you about a dissenting opinion just stand up and quote Reece Bobby from the film “Talladega Nights” and say “If you ain’t first, you’re last”.  Then explain that you live your life a quarter mile at a time and sprint out of the class.  Professor Lind will love that and won’t yell at you at all.

2.    ABC method to classroom participation.  Always Be Contributing.  Seriously.  No matter how banal or irrelevant of a contribution you can make, make it.  You 1Ls and 2Ls are naturally amazing at this and predisposed to wow not only your professors, who are very, very interested in what you have to teach them about the law, but your fellow students as well, who would much rather hear about your own personal stories than learn about the class.  After all, the majority of our 1L Criminal Law final  covered what Jerry saw on an episode of “The First 48” and why it was all wrong.

3.   Work as hard as you possibly can.  Then work harder.  Prior to undertaking a study of the law, a mentor to one of the writers posed the question to him, “Mr. [Future Writer of Barely Legal], do you want to be stupid for the rest of your life?”  The wisdom that was later gained from the above quotation- and gained only after throwing-up during the very first final, after grades were given and on the first day of ASP- is that law school is hard.  To succeed admirably will demand a great amount of work.  And no truer words could be spoken after reading the 2010 Entering Class Profile.  Which brings us to our next point:  Law school is competitive.

According to the Office Admissions publication the 2010 Entering Class has an individual that performed as a background dancer to Jerry Springer on “Dancing with the Stars.”  Another individual was a background vocalist for a Grammy award winning singer.  If you think for a second that such gifts will secure you a trophy come time for the SELA Talent Show, well then surprise!  The 2010 Entering Class also includes a Blue Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu ready to roundhouse you off the stage.

A quote by Coach Jack Reilly probably better and more succinctly conveys the point we are trying to make, that is, “It’s not worth winning if you can’t win big!”

(editing comment, don’t publish: Brazillian Jiu Jitzu is a grappling discipline that wouldn’t teach you how to roundhouse anyone.  Please adjust accordingly.)

Hello Valpo Law!

After a long, relaxing summer, your Student Bar Association is ready for another great year with many exciting events planned for the year and the SBA is looking forward to all of them.  The first series of events the SBA has planned for this year includes VU Day of Caring (September 18), the Cardozo Cup (October 1), and the Halloween Party (October 30).  Later in the year will feature the Health and Wellness Fair, Law Week, and Barristers.

The SBA is once again making changes this year.  We have added a new Executive Board position: the Student Organization Administrator.  This position will allow the SBA to fully assist Student Organizations to reach their full potential.  The SOA will be the contact person for the Organizations and help them through the complexities of the Law School.

The SBA is transitioning from a party planning student council to that of a pseudo state bar organization where that we are primarily working with the students to better their time here and also provide them with the necessary tools to be able to find jobs upon graduation (for those 3Ls).  For the 1Ls and 2Ls, the SBA will provide networking opportunities through support of student organizations’ events and programs so they will have the ability to find jobs later.

We also now have the tools we need to be a successful SBA. We have a fun office, a great officer and representative corps, a new website, and a new officer position to work directly with student organizations. Throughout this year, we will be streamlining process and creating information packets for students, faculty, and deans so they can know and see what we have accomplished and where we are going.

The SBA is looking forward to helping every one of you – all you need to do is ask.  Your feedback will help up continue to strive for the highest.  On behalf of the Valpo Law SBA, good luck with everything you do this year and do not hesitate to stop in the SBA office and let us know what we can do for you.

The purpose of this organization is to acquire, develop, and apply knowledge in the areas of business and law.  Our mission is to provide law students with access to alumni who are working in the area of business law and with access to information concerning business law courses, programs and information regarding the study of business law and future careers.  The Society offers a venue for discussion of relevant and current issues as they arise in the field of business law.  Through our events, meetings, and conferences, we not only plan to expound in areas of business law but plan to grow in areas such as professionalism, networking, and leadership qualities in the business world.

Our organization has dedicated itself to providing extensive benefits to BLS members each semester, including: (1)  Education on various aspects of business and corporate law;  and (2) Networking opportunities with transactional and litigation attorneys working within the field of business and corporate law, as well as corporate counsel and local business persons.

Business Law Society has some exciting and educational events coming up including an etiquette dinner to educate young lawyers on how to eat, drink, and dress professionally; a financial planner who will give advice on planning for your financial future; and a fashion show to learn how to dress for success in the work world.

Please contact our president: chelsey.sarason@valpo.edu, vice president: nataly.carrasco@valpo.edu, treasurer: shantae.landingham@valpo.edu  or our secretary: michelle.teems@valpo.edu for more information.  We would be more than happy to answer questions or accept suggestions to ensure this year is a success.